Notes On The Journey Through Each Day. Events and adventures, discoveries and surprises, impressions and reflections about home and garden, family and flowers, seasons and nature.

Around the Yard

8/13/13

crape myrtle

The crape myrtle tree in the side yard is full of blooms. I am not a fan of crape myrtles, and I've never had one in any of my yards until we moved here. But I must admit this tree is beautiful.

milkweed plants

The milkweed Tussock caterpillars are gone from the milkweed plants. The caterpillars ate lots of leaves on some of the plants. Now all that's left are the follicles. When the follicles ripen, they will split open. Inside will be brown seeds with white, silky, filament-like hairs called coma, which make it easy for seeds to be blown around by the wind.

arbor over gate

My husband finally finished building the arbor top over the gate into the backyard. I plan on getting a Carolina jessamine vine to plant next to the gate in hopes that it will grow along the fence and over the arbor.

deck planter flowers

The diascia that was in this deck railing planter was not doing well, so I replaced it with a red geranium and two ornamental pepper plants.

We have had so much rain and cloudy weather here. It is downright depressing. We have not had a rain-free weekend since Father's Day. Mushrooms, fungus and other weird things are growing all over the yard. These are photos of the two I found most interesting.

About Me

I have been an amateur gardener for many years. I originally started with vegetable gardening, but moved on to include flower gardening when I realized that flowers bring an abundance of beauty and joy into my life. I have gardened in Illinois, Calfornia, Arizona, and Virginia. I love tracking the nuances of weather and seasons. I am a retired editor, writer, and information specialist for children with disabilities.